Heart-ache: Florida legislator calls illegal aliens “illegal aliens”
posted at 6:17 pm on April 15, 2007 by Allahpundit
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And dares to imply that illegal immigration might impose some sort of a cost on American taxpayers.
He’s a Republican, so this matters.
Rep. Don Brown, R-DeFuniak Springs, recently forwarded a cartoon from his state e-mail account to his colleagues that read: “Don’t forget to pay your taxes … 12 million illegal aliens are depending on you!”
Brown said Friday he meant the message as a joke, but it was met with a fierce reaction from many other lawmakers. He later sent a follow-up e-mail to apologize.
Brown still needs to make a public apology, said Rep. Juan Carlos “J.C.” Planas, a Miami Republican and member of the Hispanic caucus.
“I think he has to specifically state that he understands now that that term, illegal alien, is extremely insulting to many individuals, and I think there has to be something a little bit more public and a little bit more contrite in his apology,” Planas said.
Brown said he’s finished with the issue.
“People were offended by it and I have apologized to those who were offended by it,” Brown said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m done. Now if they want to elevate it to an entire new debate about illegal aliens, then we can have that debate.”
Terry Moran’s already planning a post on how this is worse than falsely accusing someone of rape.
According to the Times, the Tanc earned some of the biggest applause last night in Iowa at the big GOP presidential meet-up when he vowed never to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants. Hmmm.
Exit question: Another reason to build the fence?
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Rep. Juan Carlos “J.C.” Planas objected to the insulting term “illegal aliens.”
Sorry, JC. But THAT IS THE LEGAL DEFINITION of people who sneak in as defined in the United States Code.
For the last year, I have made it my personal policy to call them exactly what they are: ILLEGAL ALIENS. They are NOT immigrants. They are not LEGAL. They are not GUEST WORKERS. They are ILLEGAL ALIENS. Period!
georgej on April 15, 2007 at 6:22 PM
Move over Imus
Wade on April 15, 2007 at 6:28 PM
“I think he has to specifically state that he understands now that that term, illegal alien, is extremely insulting to many
individualsillegal aliens…”RedWinged Blackbird on April 15, 2007 at 6:30 PM
You misspelled “fence”.
fusionaddict on April 15, 2007 at 6:30 PM
Illegal:1. forbidden by law or statute.
Alien:1. a resident born in or belonging to another country who has not acquired citizenship by naturalization (distinguished from citizen).
What’s the problem??
To me it is the product of the dumbing down of America. Total ignorance.
lsutiger on April 15, 2007 at 6:31 PM
Wade on April 15, 2007 at 6:32 PM
That Colorado columnist call O’Reilly a racist for simply saying the words, “illegal alien.” Hard to believe but true.
Yes, mainly illegal aliens and those citizens trying to remake the US in their image.
TheBigOldDog on April 15, 2007 at 6:33 PM
that term, illegal alien, is extremely insulting to many individuals
Why, somebody needs to tell Customs and Border Protection! The Agency’s website uses the term repeatedly, including in the helpful page, “How Do I Report Suspected Aliens or Suspected Illegal Immigration Activity?”
Lehuster on April 15, 2007 at 6:34 PM
Comes a man!
Jack M. on April 15, 2007 at 6:35 PM
Would they prefer Criminal Alien?
DAT60A3 on April 15, 2007 at 6:43 PM
I would like to see a street fight between the illegal aliens and the islamofacists on who is going to take over the United States……….
PinkyBigglesworth on April 15, 2007 at 6:45 PM
Defenition of “immoral purposes” – Voiting for a Democrat..
PinkyBigglesworth on April 15, 2007 at 6:48 PM
I have this vision of a jihadi chasing a Mexican through a strawberry field trying to get close enough to blow himself up.
RedWinged Blackbird on April 15, 2007 at 6:54 PM
What a strange, interesting, fascinating whacked-out world we live in.
You can go on national television and call the President a “fascist,” or “Hitler,” or even insist he murdered 3000 Americans. Sure. Why not?
But you can’t call illegal aliens … illegal aliens.
Was the world always like this? Or did it used to make sense?
I hate to admit this, but I almost welcome the coming conflict. Things are going to get much worse, sooner rather than later. Blood is on the moon, and real wars are around the corner. Like the one our grandfathers fought.
But when it finally starts …. I think people will find their common sense again, and start calling things what they are. I’m pretty sure that after some terrorist crosses the southern border with a nuke … people won’t be quite so picky about phrases like “illegal alien.” Or “terrorist.”
Professor Blather on April 15, 2007 at 7:05 PM
“(Politician) dares to imply that illegal immigration might impose some sort of a cost on American taxpayers.”
Frost warnings in hell! Oh my.
According to the godfather, the reason why we laugh at jokes – good jokes – is there is a substantial element of truth contained therein. This is a good joke.
But we all know that leftists are a humorless bunch of cretins who seek joy in polishing turds. This is a florida turd.
My own exit question: When will more of the responsible adults in this land stand up to the screaming deanie baby leftist whiners who seek to demonize all those not approved by the politically correct thought police??
Volley ball for world peace!
locomotivebreath1901 on April 15, 2007 at 7:06 PM
Another question:
I have a theory that some brave politician – of either party – who completely stood up to this kind of horseshit, who refused to abandon common sense, and who declined to apologize for things like calling illegal aliens … illegal aliens … would be immensely popular. I think a Presidential candidate who spoke plainly and didn’t back down when he was right … might wake up a big chunk of the sleeping electorate. Somebody willing to just flat out say: “hey – they’re illegal aliens – either change the laws, get them out of the country, or get used to me calling them what they are …”
I think people are absolutely hungry for that kind of plain speaking leadership.
Am I crazy?
Professor Blather on April 15, 2007 at 7:09 PM
“I think he has to specifically state that he understands now that that term, illegal alien, is extremely insulting to many individuals, . . ”
Yes it is, and all of them a ILLEGAL ALIENS! Ergo, WHO CARES! Criminals find it insulting to be called criminals, rapists find it insulting to be called rapists, and child molesters, . .. well, you get the point even if Rep. Planas doesn’t.
Stupidity is at an all time high in this country. I’m surprised the cartoonist who penned the offensive comic hasn’t been boycotted.
Where are Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson? Why aren’t they calling for this cartoon-racist to be fired from his job and have all his offensive drawings removed from every U.S. newspaper and internet site? Oh yea, I forgot, he was poking fun at people who are not black, and apparently the first amendment still protects speech directed at those people.
Instead of wasting time and effort trying to solve the “Global Warming Crisis” why don’t we spend a little time fixing the ever-rising level of stupidity in this country?
lawman2 on April 15, 2007 at 7:13 PM
ROFL. Too damn funny, RWB.
Prepare yourself for endless critisism of your lack of sensitivity, though.
BacaDog on April 15, 2007 at 7:23 PM
Instead of illegal imigrant, I think they prefer the term future registered Democrat.
stonemeister on April 15, 2007 at 7:23 PM
No he doesn’t.
The only thing that would be more insulting then that is you and your ilk continuing to cry and complain about it.
BTW I find you highly offensive and insulting!
Altura Ct. on April 15, 2007 at 7:27 PM
I’ve never been particularly sensitive to criticism of my lack of sensitivity.
RedWinged Blackbird on April 15, 2007 at 7:27 PM
illegal aliens? I thought that was a welfare recipient joke. I guess its the same thing.
lorien1973 on April 15, 2007 at 7:30 PM
If speeches mean anything then his was a great speech. He touted and touched things that almost any others in the field would never speak of in our PC world. Imagine a presidential candidate talking about have pride in Western Culture and how it is worth protecting and preserving.
Altura Ct. on April 15, 2007 at 7:35 PM
Jay Severin calls them Crimaliens…equally credible!!!
I am sick and tired of politicians ignoring the Huge elephant in the room that is in fact an illegal alien!!! Same thing with the media , although I nearly fell over today when I read this story in The Boston Globe (liberal rag) today!!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/04/15/raid_bares_deep_divide/
Something fishy about their covering this aspect of the illegal problem.
Mellen on April 15, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Bizaro world, for you Seinfeld folk
lsutiger on April 15, 2007 at 7:45 PM
Enough with the apologizing already. It’s liberal drivel to make people feel better when no one really means it.
SouthernGent on April 15, 2007 at 7:45 PM
No you are not crazy, but I am afraid we have passed the point of no return. Our legal system is in shambles and does not appear fixable to me.
I’ve posted this before and is a bit dated, but it still makes a very stong point.
At about the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in the year 1787, Alexander Tyler (a Scottish history professor at The University of Edinborough) had this to say about “The Fall of The Athenian Republic” some 2,000 years prior.
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship.”
“The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From Bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”
Wade on April 15, 2007 at 7:48 PM
What’s worse?
Southies that think the USA has no right to tell people that they are not allowed to enter the country without permission?
or
The Islamic killers that walk into the country along with the Southies?
or
The Dems that want them both coming in, getting the right to vote and supporting the Democratic agenda?
Hening on April 15, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Everyone seems to have glanced over his AWESOME response…
DaveS on April 15, 2007 at 7:53 PM
The hell he does, Planas needs to apologize to 300 million Americans, for insulting our intelligence while aiding abetting criminal behavior.
After that he can walk back to Florida and beg the forgiveness of every American citizen he comes to along the way.
Stones, damn right.
Speakup on April 15, 2007 at 8:07 PM
Looks like it’s our choice to make.
Speakup on April 15, 2007 at 8:09 PM
DaveS on April 15, 2007 at 7:53 PM
I love it. You gotta respect a man who says something and stands behind his words. Although it would have been better if his quote had been:
BacaDog on April 15, 2007 at 8:12 PM
What part of this dont they understand, oh.. I forgot they dont speak english either.. hmm go figure.
Viper1 on April 15, 2007 at 8:43 PM
I’d kinda like folks to figure it out waaaay before that.
Ain’t hopeful, though.
Bob's Kid on April 15, 2007 at 8:48 PM
Ok call them what they are. INVADERS.
ronsfi on April 15, 2007 at 8:48 PM
A public apology is a good thing. All those who voted to put Rep. Juan Carlos “J.C.” Planas in office should apologise for their extremely insulting activity.
In English!
News2Use on April 15, 2007 at 8:50 PM
How ’bout “foreign invaders” instead?
aero on April 15, 2007 at 9:25 PM
I’m from Florida, but I am personally unfamiliar with any of the reps mentioned. By way of information, Rep. Don Brown’s home, DeFuniak Springs, is in the panhandle in a conservative area.
I noticed in the news column that Rep. Trey Traviesa, R-Tampa, another member of the Hispanic caucus wasn’t upset.
I don’t know enough about the background of either Planas or Traviesa to guess at the differences. I did find that Traviesa is a fourth generation resident of the Tampa area.
I also found an endorsement of Planas for the 2004 election from a supposedly non-partisan Jamaican group. They evaluated the candidates on various issues, including immigration, and went with Planas (along with Kerry/Edwards and Betty Castor for Senate, so that tells you a little of where they’re coming from).
I have checked the Babalu Blog and this is not mentioned.
INC on April 15, 2007 at 9:39 PM
I bet all the convicted “felons” will now like to have that moniker removed as well…..those pesky applications and all.
Beyond stupid.
-and for Rep. Juan Carlos “J.C.” Planas, a Miami Republican and member of the Hispanic caucus.
He owes US an apology.
shooter on April 15, 2007 at 9:41 PM
Not at all. Tancredo might be the only candidate that cares
more about the country than his personal gains.
A TRUE patriot and REAL American.
shooter on April 15, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Where can I go to formally surrender to Mexico? Do they even have a battleship with a deck?
Buck Turgidson on April 15, 2007 at 10:31 PM
Well Buck,
The Commander In Chief is doing his part. (Here)
News2Use on April 15, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Thanks for the link. Too strange. They don’t need ships to send back deportees. The busses and bridges have always worked fine. When I used to live in San Antonio in the 80’s, I made business trips to the border towns. I would always see the buses loaded with Illegal Aliens being sent back on the INS busses with the bars on the windows. Do they even do that anymore?
Buck Turgidson on April 15, 2007 at 11:28 PM
Rep. Juan Carlos, and his, object more to the term “alien” than perhaps to “illegal”.
Here’s the Government’s lame attempt at correcting that – Medicare, Part D, Section 1011 (healthcare funding for mostly illegal men, young, no family, no home, those with no other programs to cover them), calls them “undocumented aliens“. Thus, Mr. Carlos doesn’t have much ammo.
Entelechy on April 16, 2007 at 12:01 AM
This Republican would have instantly lost my support, not for using the term illegals, but for APOLOGIZING for it! What’s up with that garbage? Just how weak have Republicans come?
Gregor on April 16, 2007 at 1:52 AM
The “Miracle Strip” is conservative and loads of active/retired military. My place in FWB is in literally one block outside this guys district… our rep. is out of Pensacola. Unfortunately, I’m registered to vote in Pennsylvania these days. RHINOs to right of me, socialist to the left… no conservatives in sight.
Zorro on April 16, 2007 at 6:35 AM
And most democrats feel the word “liberal” is insulting, which makes the word even more valuable.
right2bright on April 16, 2007 at 8:35 AM
Those damn illegal aliens! And just like a liberal…always stuck with their heads of their arses repeating “ignorance is bliss” “ignorance is bliss”!
lynnv on April 16, 2007 at 8:39 AM
Heh.
Jaibones on April 16, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Hah.
seejanemom on April 16, 2007 at 10:12 AM
*UNION* of two countries? Over my dead body!
dalewalt on April 16, 2007 at 10:40 AM
I am still taking credit for the (clearly brilliant) idea of annexing Mexico. That will make everyone happy, I think.
No?
Bonus Point: the native Mexicans can’t become citizens of the newly formed United States of Americo until they pass a test on Mexico history, in English.
Jaibones on April 16, 2007 at 10:58 AM
If you’re an alien and you’re here illegally, then you’re an illegal alien.
Don’t like it? Leave. I don’t care if you’re “offended”…
mojo on April 16, 2007 at 4:09 PM
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